JPH1090778A - Alarm display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an alarm display device constituted so that an alarm can be displayed with respect to not only a photographer but also an object side at the same time when a photographing action is executed. SOLUTION: This device is constituted by being mainly provided with a measurement means 4 measuring the conditions of the object related to the photographing action, a decision means 3 deciding whether the photographing action is unsuitable or not based on the measured condition of the object and a first and a second alarm display means 1 and 2 displaying the prescribed alarm when the photographing action is decided to be unsuitable. The first alarm display means 1 is arranged at a position where it can be viewed by the photographer and the second alarm display means 2 is arranged at a position where it can be viewed also from the object side. The decision means 3 is set for executing a range-finding action and a photometry action and provided with a function deciding whether the photographing action can be executed even by light emitted from a flash device or not. When the low-luminance object is set at a distant position where stroboscopic light does not arrive, the alarm showing that the photographing action is unsuitable is displayed by the first and the second display means 1 and 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a warning display device provided in a camera, for example, to warn a photographer that shooting of a subject is inappropriate.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a photographing apparatus typified by a recent camera, most functions including focus adjustment are automated.
The photographer can easily take almost satisfactory photos simply by pointing the camera lens at the subject and pressing the release button. However, if the subject is extremely close to the camera and is out of the range of focus adjustment, or if the subject is too far away for strobe light to reach, it will still produce a failed photo That is inevitable. So, for example, in this type of camera,
A display element is provided in the viewfinder to improve the photographer's warning when the photographing is unsuitable as described above.

[0003]

However, since the above-mentioned warning display is displayed only in the viewfinder, for example, even if the shooting is performed without looking through the viewfinder, even if the shooting becomes inappropriate, Photographers were often unable to recognize the viewfinder because they were not looking through it, resulting in failed pictures. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a warning display device that can simultaneously display a warning not only on the photographer but also on the subject side during photographing.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and has taken the following means to solve the problems and achieve the object. [1] Measuring means for measuring the situation of the subject involved in the photographing, determining means for determining whether or not the photographing is inappropriate based on the subject situation measured by the measuring means, and determining that the photographing is inappropriate by the determining means A first warning display unit and a second warning display unit for displaying a warning when the image is displayed. The first warning display unit is provided at a position where a photographer who wants to photograph the subject can visually recognize the first warning display unit. The second warning display means is provided at a position visible from the subject. [2] The warning display device according to [1], wherein the measuring unit measures a distance to the subject. [3] The measuring means measures a distance to the subject (subject distance), and the determining means determines that the photographing is inappropriate when the subject distance is out of a focus adjustment interlocking range. 1] A warning display device according to [1].

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 conceptually shows a configuration of a warning display device as one embodiment according to the present invention. The warning display device according to the present invention includes, for example, a measuring unit 4 for measuring a situation of a subject involved in photographing with a camera, and determining whether or not “imaging is inappropriate” based on the situation of the subject measured by the measuring unit 4. Determination means 3 for determination
A first warning display unit 1 and a second warning display unit 2 for performing a predetermined warning display when the determination unit 3 determines that shooting is inappropriate.
And a warning display means 2.

The first warning display means 1 is provided at a position where the photographer can visually recognize it, for example, near the viewfinder, whereas the second warning display means 2 can be visually recognized even from the subject side of the camera. It is provided at a possible position, for example, on the front surface where the lens of the camera is located (see FIG. 3). The determining means 3 also has a function of performing distance measurement and photometry, and determining whether or not the subject can be photographed even in photographing using auxiliary light emission by a flash device such as a strobe. For example, if a low-brightness subject exists far away from the strobe light, using the strobe is useless,
It is determined that shooting in this situation is inappropriate.

(Function and Effect 1) If it is determined that "imaging is inappropriate", a warning is displayed by blinking of both display elements disposed at the back and front of the camera. . This allows the subject to recognize that the subject is not within the photographable range without looking through the finder. Also, if the subject is a single photographer who is the photographer himself, if the subject is too far away, for example, approach the camera side slightly until the warning display blinking in front of this camera disappears, etc. The shutter can be released again with a remote controller or the like. As described above, this convenient function can be provided even in single shooting.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a warning display device of the present invention applied to a camera. The following various functional blocks are connected to the CPU 21 as shown in the figure. That is, a distance measuring circuit 22 for measuring a subject distance, a photometric circuit 23 for measuring a subject luminance, a film sensitivity detecting circuit 24 for detecting a film sensitivity, and a strobe circuit 25 for controlling a light emitting tube (Xe tube) 28. A focus adjustment circuit 26 for controlling a focus adjustment lens 29; an exposure control circuit 27 for controlling a sector shutter 30; a first-stage release switch (hereinafter referred to as 1R switch) 31 in a two-stage release. , A second-stage release switch (hereinafter, referred to as a 2R switch) 32 is connected through respective input / output port terminals. Also, an LED 3 provided in a finder section for warning display is provided.
4 and an LED 35 provided on the front surface of the camera body are connected to an output port terminal. Specifically, the cathode terminals of the LEDs 34 and 35 are connected to the CPU 2 as shown in the figure.
It is connected to one common one output terminal O1. Therefore, in this circuit configuration, when CPU 21 outputs a pulse voltage to output terminal O1, LED 34 and LE
D35 is set so that both light up at the same time,
As a result, the circuit configuration is such that the number of ports used by the CPU 21 can be reduced. The overall operation sequence of the camera is based on this CP based on a control program described later.
Performed by U21.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the appearance of an actual camera to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3A shows the back of the camera, and FIG. 3B shows the front of the camera. Represents.
As shown in FIG. 3A, a viewfinder 42 is provided on an eyepiece 41 on the back of the camera, and a display element and an LED 34 corresponding to the above-described first warning display unit 1 are provided beside the viewfinder 42. It is arranged so that the warning display can be recognized even when the photographer is in contact with the eyepiece 41 and looking into the viewfinder 42.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a display window 43 is provided on the front of the camera.
An LED 35 (broken line) is arranged at the back of 3. The LED 35 can blink as a display element corresponding to the above-described second warning display means 2 with a light amount that can be confirmed from a distant subject side.

An operation sequence as a main routine for controlling the camera is shown in a flowchart illustrated in FIG. First, film sensitivity information is captured (S0). This is because the film sensitivity detection circuit 24 in FIG.
This is a processing step for taking in O sensitivity information.

In step S1, it is checked whether or not the 1R switch is ON (S1). If the switch is ON, a "ranging" subroutine is executed (S2).
This “ranging” subroutine is a routine for obtaining information on the distance to the subject (hereinafter, abbreviated as the subject distance) from the ranging circuit 22 described above.

Next, it is determined whether or not the subject is located at a "closer distance" than the focus adjustment interlocking range (S4).
Here, if it is not a so-called “short distance” that is too close to shooting, the process proceeds to step S5. If the distance is short, the flow branches to step S11 to be described later to execute a "warning display" subroutine (S11) to be described later. Step S5
In, the "photometry" subroutine is executed. The "photometry" subroutine is a routine for measuring the luminance of the subject (hereinafter, simply referred to as the subject luminance).

Next, based on the subject brightness measured in step S5, it is determined whether or not the subject has "low brightness" darker than a predetermined brightness (S6). Here, if it is determined that the brightness is not low, the strobe light emission is prohibited since no auxiliary light is necessary (S7), and the process proceeds to step S8.

On the other hand, if the brightness is low, it is determined whether or not the subject is "far away" so that the strobe light does not reach (S14). Note that a specific method for this determination is performed by comparing a measured flash object distance with a measured flash object distance, which is determined from a flash guide number and film sensitivity (for example, ISO sensitivity information). If the distance is too long for photographing, that is, "far distance", it is determined that "imaging is inappropriate" and the process branches to step S11 to execute a "warning display" subroutine (S11) described later.

On the other hand, if it is not a long distance, step S15
Then, the process proceeds to step S8.
In step S8, it is determined whether the 2R switch is ON (S8). If the 2R switch is not ON here, the process branches to step S16 to check again whether the 1R switch is ON (S1).
6) If the 1R switch is not turned on, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, 1R switch is O
While remaining N, the check of the 2R switch and the 1R switch is similarly repeated.

Here, when the 2R switch is turned on,
Subsequently, an "exposure" subroutine is executed (S9). This subroutine is a routine for controlling the sector shutter 30 in FIG. 2 to perform an exposure operation on a film (not shown). If the electronic flash is allowed in the above-described processing steps, the electronic flash is emitted to perform the exposure operation. After this exposure operation is completed, the 1R switch is checked (S10). If the switch is not ON, the process returns to step S1 and repeats the same steps. This series of processing operations is repeated until the power of the camera is turned off.

If it is determined in step S4 that the subject is located at a "closer distance" than the focus adjustment interlock range, or if the subject does not reach the strobe light in step S14. To "far distance"
If it is determined that there is a "warning display" subroutine (S11), the process proceeds to step S11.

This "warning display" subroutine
This is a subroutine for blinking the LED 34 and the LED 35 at a predetermined interval for a predetermined time.
For example, control is performed such that "L" (low voltage pulse) and "H" (high voltage pulse) are alternately output to the output terminal O1 of each for 250 msec for 2 seconds.

When the "warning display" subroutine is completed, it waits until the 1R switch is not turned on (S1).
2) Return to step S1 again and repeat the same steps. That is, once the finger is released from the half-pressed state of the 1R switch, the above-described series of processing steps from step S1 is repeated again.

The operation of the above-described subroutine "warning display" is shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the contents of a predetermined timer counter are cleared to zero (S21). If the timer counter has reached or exceeded a predetermined time for which blinking for warning display is to be continued, the display is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine described above (S22). On the other hand, if the timer counter is still within the predetermined time, the LED 34 as the first warning display and the LED 35 as the second warning display are blinked (S23, S2).
4). The timer count is incremented by one, and the process returns to step S22 (S25), and the blinking operation is repeated until the predetermined time is reached again.

(Effects) In the warning display device according to the present invention, the subject for the photographing device such as a camera is located at a short distance from the interlocking range of the focus adjustment, or the subject is so far that the strobe light does not reach. In a shooting inappropriate state such as when the camera is located at a distance, a plurality of Ls arranged at both a position where the photographer can visually recognize the subject such as a finder portion and a position where the subject can be visually recognized from the subject such as the front portion of the camera body.
A display element such as an ED blinks and a warning is displayed.

Therefore, when the subject himself / herself visually recognizes the warning display issued by the second warning display means provided on the front of the photographing device such as a camera, the subject moves to a range where the warning can be canceled, and so on. It is possible to quickly respond to the position where the second warning display means is turned off and the photographing is ready.

(Modification) The illustrated embodiment can be modified as follows. That is, in FIG. 3 exemplifying the arrangement of the characteristic display elements of the present embodiment, the LED 34 as the display element of the first warning display means is disposed in the vicinity of the side of the finder 42, but can be visually recognized without looking through. If so, it may be arranged in the finder. In addition, it may be provided at any position as long as it can be visually recognized without looking through the viewfinder on the camera exterior surface. Similarly, the LED 35 as a display element of the second warning display means is disposed inside the display window 43 which is disposed near the lens on the front surface of the camera body. If so, it may be provided at another arbitrary position.

Further, the LEDs 34 and 35 illustrated in FIG.
Are commonly connected to the output terminal O1 of the CPU 21, but may be connected to separate output ports if the number of ports of the CPU 21 has a margin. However, in this case, it is necessary to control each of these light emitting elements independently. Further, the second warning display means includes:
For example, it may also serve as a blinking display element for a remote control device or a light emitting element member capable of blinking display for an automatic shutter. (Other Modifications) Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention includes the following inventions. [1] Measuring means for measuring the situation of a subject involved in shooting, determining means for determining whether or not shooting is inappropriate based on the situation of the subject measured by the measuring means, and determining that the shooting is inappropriate by the determining means A first warning display unit and a second warning display unit for performing a warning display in the case, wherein the first warning display unit is provided at a position where a photographer who wants to photograph the subject can visually recognize the first warning display unit. A warning display device, wherein the second warning display means is provided at a position visible from the subject. [2] The warning display device according to [1], wherein the measuring unit measures a distance to the subject. [3] The measuring unit measures a distance to the subject (subject distance), and the determining unit determines that the photographing is inappropriate when the subject distance is out of a focus adjustment interlocking range. The warning display device according to [1].

In addition, the following inventions are also included. (1) Measuring means for measuring the situation of a subject involved in photographing, determining means for determining whether or not shooting is inappropriate based on the subject status measured by the measuring means, and determining that the shooting is inappropriate by the determining means. First warning display means and second warning display means for performing a warning display when
The first warning display means is provided at a position visible to a photographer who intends to photograph the subject, and the second warning display means is provided at a position visible also from the subject. Camera warning display. (2) The camera warning display device according to (1), wherein the measuring unit measures a distance to the subject. (3) The measuring means measures a distance to the subject (subject distance), and the determining means determines that the photographing is inappropriate when the subject distance is out of a focus adjustment interlocking range. The warning display device of the camera according to 1).

(4) When the distance to the object is out of the light reaching range of the (predetermined) light-emitting illuminating means for illuminating the object, the judging means judges "improper photographing". The warning display device according to [1]. (5) The measuring means performs at least an exposure measurement or a distance measurement on the subject, and when the subject exists at a “close distance” outside the range of the depth of the subject,
The warning display device according to [1], wherein the warning display device determines that “imaging is inappropriate”. (6) The measurement unit performs at least exposure measurement or distance measurement on the subject, and the determination unit
The warning display device according to [1], wherein if the subject exists at a “far distance” outside the range of the depth of the subject and has “low brightness”, it is determined to be “improper shooting”. (7) The first warning display means is disposed at a position recognizable from the photographer side, and the second warning display means is disposed at a position recognizable from the subject side. The warning display device according to [1], which is characterized in that: (8) The warning display device according to [1], wherein the first warning display unit and the second warning display unit are configured by light emitting elements, and warn by a blinking operation at a predetermined interval.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a warning display device that can simultaneously display a warning not only on the photographer but also on the subject side. For example, this warning display device is used in a camera. Then, even when the subject is out of the predetermined shooting range, the photographer and the subject can simultaneously recognize the inappropriate shooting condition, and it is easier to avoid the inappropriate shooting condition by moving. And be quick. Further, even if the photographer cannot recognize the improper photographing, the photographer can recognize the improper photographing, so that the probability of preventing a photographing error is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera warning display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram including a camera warning display device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the outer shape of the camera of the present invention, and (a)
Is a back view showing a warning display section on the back of the camera body,
(B) is a front view showing a warning display section on the front of the camera body.

FIG. 4 is a main flowchart showing an operation sequence of the camera of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a subroutine “warning display”;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st warning display means, 2 ... 2nd warning display means, 3 ... Judgment means, 4 ... Measurement means, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... Distance measurement circuit, 23 ... Photometry circuit, 24 ... Film sensitivity detection circuit, 25 ... Strobe circuit, 26: focus adjustment circuit, 27: exposure control circuit, 28: arc tube (Xe tube), 29: focus adjustment lens, 30: sector shutter, 31: 1R switch (1st. Release SW), 32: 2R switch (2nd release SW), 34 LED (first light emitting element), 35 LED (second light emitting element), 41 eyepiece, 42 finder, 43 display window. S1 to S16: processing steps of a main routine; S21 to S25: processing steps of a subroutine "warning display".

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A measuring means for measuring a situation of a subject involved in photographing, a judging means for judging whether or not photographing is inappropriate based on the situation of the subject measured by the measuring means; First warning display means and second warning display means for performing a warning display in the event of being performed, wherein the first warning display means is provided at a position visible to a photographer who intends to photograph the subject. A warning display device, wherein the second warning display means is provided at a position visible from the subject. 2. The warning display device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit measures a distance to the subject. 3. The measuring means measures a distance to the subject (hereinafter referred to as a subject distance), and the determining means determines that the photographing is inappropriate when the subject distance is out of a focus adjustment interlocking range. The warning display device according to claim 1, wherein: